Apart from the Cronulla riots of 2005, multicultural Australia has largely avoided the kind of race riots currently taking place in the UK.

Login or signup to continue reading

That has been due to a mixture of the good sense of the Australian community, a largely bipartisan approach to the policy of multiculturalism and most (but not all) parts of the mainstream media and ethnic community leaders taking a measured approach to issues that could inflame tensions.

The race riots in the UK have been widespread across the nation. A campaign group called Stand Up To Racism has clashed with a "stop the boats" rally in Plymouth.

In Birmingham, rioters waving Palestinian flags smashed a car as rumours of a far-right rally circulated.

A far-right mob carried out racists attacks and set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth. Anti-racism groups held rallies in support of the asylum seekers.

Almost 400 people have been arrested and a "standing army" of police has been established with the Home Secretary threatening all who participate in rioting will "face the consequences no matter who they are".

How the new Labour government manages the asylum seeker issue may be crucial.

Later this year there will be an election in........

© Canberra Times